Electrical appliance energy consumption control methods and electrical energy consumption systems

ABSTRACT

Electrical appliance energy consumption control methods and electrical energy consumption systems are described. In one aspect, an electrical appliance energy consumption control method includes providing an electrical appliance coupled with a power distribution system, receiving electrical energy within the appliance from the power distribution system, consuming the received electrical energy using a plurality of loads of the appliance, monitoring electrical energy of the power distribution system, and adjusting an amount of consumption of the received electrical energy via one of the loads of the appliance from an initial level of consumption to an other level of consumption different than the initial level of consumption responsive to the monitoring.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT RIGHTS

[0001] This invention was made with Government support under contractDE-AC0676RL01830 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. TheGovernment has certain rights in the invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to electrical appliance energy consumptioncontrol methods and electrical energy consumption systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Consumption of and reliance upon electrical energy is increasing.Usage of electrical energy is ubiquitous in almost every aspect of life.Businesses, entertainment, communications, etc. are heavily dependentupon electrical energy for fundamental operation. Power distributionsystems or grids provide electrical energy to households, businesses,manufacturing facilities, hospitals, etc. Such systems are typicallyreliable, however, numerous systems employ backup electrical supplies incase of failure of the power distribution system being utilized.

[0004] Some electrical power distribution systems are ever-changingdynamic systems and operations are often concerned with balancinggeneration with load. Frequency of the voltage of the electrical energymay be used as an indicator of variances between generation ofelectrical energy and usage of electrical energy by loads coupled withthe electrical power distribution system. For example, when demandexceeds generation, the frequency of the electrical energy on theelectrical power distribution system may drop, and conversely, whenthere is excess electrical energy available, the frequency increases.Over a given 24 hour period, it is desired to balance energy surplus anddeficit so the average frequency is 60 Hz, or other desired frequency.

[0005] Typically, control of the state of the electrical powerdistribution system is implemented by controlling operations ofgenerators coupled with the system. For example, at times of increaseddemand, the output of generators may be increased and/or othergenerators may be brought on-line to assist with supplying theelectrical energy. In addition, spinning reserves may be utilized toaccommodate unexpected significant fluctuations in demand for electricalenergy. Provision of spinning reserves is costly, and much of the time,not used.

[0006] Some electrical power distribution approaches have been designedto curtail peak loads through the utilization of Demand Side Management(DSM). DSM techniques include direct load control wherein a utility hasthe ability to curtail specific loads as conditions warrant. In thesearrangements, a utility may broadcast a control signal to specific loadswhen curtailment is desired (e.g., during peak usage periods).

[0007] Other electrical power distribution approaches attempt tostabilize bulk-power transmission corridors using external Flexible ACTransmission System (FACTS) devices to improve dynamic performance oftransmission systems. FACTS devices, such as Static-Var Compensation(SVC) and Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitors (TSCSs), are designedto provide stability enhancements allowing transmission facilities to beloaded to levels approaching their ultimate thermal capacity. Thesedevices may supply reactive power to support voltage or providemodulation to damp electromechanical oscillations.

[0008] Utilities may use other devices at distribution points (e.g.,substations and/or switchyards) to manage electrical power distributionoperations. Exemplary management devices include underfrequency andundervoltage relays. These devices may “black out” entire neighborhoodswhen a grid is in trouble allowing the grid to recover before power isreapplied to the blacked out customers.

[0009] Aspects of the present invention provide improved apparatus andmethods for supplying electrical energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0011]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an electrical powerdistribution system according to one embodiment.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a powermanagement device and an appliance according to one embodiment.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a temperature managementsystem according to one embodiment.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an HVAC system accordingto one embodiment.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a clothes dryer accordingto one embodiment.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a clothes washer accordingto one embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a water management systemaccording to one embodiment.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a dish washer according toone embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a personal computer systemaccording to one embodiment.

[0020]FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a water heater accordingto one embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a refrigerator accordingto one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, an electrical applianceenergy consumption control method includes providing an electricalappliance coupled with a power distribution system, receiving electricalenergy within the appliance from the power distribution system,consuming the received electrical energy using a plurality of loads ofthe appliance, monitoring electrical energy of the power distributionsystem, and adjusting an amount of consumption of the receivedelectrical energy via one of the loads of the appliance from an initiallevel of consumption to an other level of consumption different than theinitial level of consumption responsive to the monitoring.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, an electricalappliance energy consumption control method comprises providing anelectrical appliance coupled with a power distribution system, theappliance comprising a plurality of loads, receiving electrical energywithin the appliance from the power distribution system, operating theappliance at a normal mode of operation wherein one of the loadsconsumes a first amount of electrical energy, monitoring an electricalcharacteristic of electrical energy of the power distribution system,and responsive to the monitoring, operating the appliance at an othermode of operation wherein the one of the loads consumes a second amountof electrical energy different than the first amount of electricalenergy.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, an electricalenergy consumption system comprises a power interface configured toreceive electrical energy of the power distribution system, a pluralityof loads coupled with the power interface and configured to consume thereceived electrical energy, and control circuitry configured to monitoran electrical characteristic of the electrical energy of the powerdistribution system and to vary an amount of consumption of the receivedelectrical energy via one of the loads responsive to the monitoring.

[0025] Additional aspects are described herein. For example, additionalaspects relate to compressor systems, HVAC systems, clothes dryers,clothes washers, water management systems, dish washers, personalcomputer systems (or other devices having energy saving modes ofoperation), water heaters, refrigerators, and any other applianceconfiguration configured to consume electrical energy during operation.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, an electrical power distribution system 10is shown arranged according to one exemplary illustrative embodiment.System 10 comprises any appropriate electrical energy delivery systemconfigured to deliver residential, commercial, industrial, or otherelectrical energy from a supply to customers or consumers. The depictedexemplary system 10 comprises a system controller 11, an electricalenergy supply 12, a distribution grid 14, and an exemplary powermanagement system 15 comprising a plurality of power management devices16 and/or appliances 18. A plurality of electrical appliances 18 aredepicted coupled with the electrical power distribution system 10 andare configured to consume electrical energy provided from supply 12. Insome embodiments, appliances 18 may be considered to be a part of system10 (e.g., in configurations wherein power management operations areimplemented using associated control circuitry of the appliances asdescribed in exemplary embodiments below).

[0027] System controller 11 is configured as control circuitry tomonitor and manage operations of system 10 in some embodiments. Systemcontroller 11 may comprise a microprocessor in one embodiment toimplement exemplary monitoring and control aspects of the powermanagement operations described herein. System controller 11 may bereferred to as a centralized controller in one embodiment and forexample operated by supply 12 or at some location distant fromconsumers. In one arrangement, system controller 11 is configured tomonitor electrical energy distributed within system 10 and issueappropriate control signals to power management devices 16 and/orappliances 18 (e.g., via networked, wired or wireless communications) toimplement power management operations described herein. Implementationof power management operations by system controller 11 configured in theabove-identified centralized embodiment may be referred to ascentralized operations.

[0028] Implementation of power management operations at customerlocations (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) may bereferred to as passive operations. For example, power management devices16 and/or appliances 18 may implement some or all of the powermanagement operations (e.g., monitoring, control) at the customerlocations with or without a centralized system controller 11. In otherembodiments, system controller 11 may comprise a customer located deviceto provide passive operations (e.g., mounted locally to provide, monitorand/or control passive operations of devices 16 and/or appliances 18 atthe customer location). Accordingly, in at least some exemplaryembodiments, system controller 11 provides centralized or passive powermanagement operations described herein. In some embodiments and asmentioned above, controller 11 may be omitted and power managementoperations may be implemented within devices 16 and/or appliances 18.

[0029] Supply 12 is configured to provide electrical energy forconsumption by appliances 18. Supply 12 may be arranged as one or moregenerator or other construction configured to supply electrical energy.Generators may be individually taken on-line or off-line, or the outputthereof may be adjusted, according to the usage of the electricalenergy. In one exemplary implementation, supply 12 is arranged toprovide alternating current electrical energy at a system frequency of60 Hz. System frequency is the frequency of system voltage.

[0030] Distribution grid 14 operates to conduct the electrical energyfrom the supply 12 to appropriate destinations for consumption. In oneembodiment, distribution grid 14 may comprise a plurality of differentvoltage distribution lines and transformers configured to conduct theelectrical energy over substantial distances between distantgeographical locations. Distribution grid 14 may provide electricalenergy at exemplary voltages of 120/240 VAC (residential), 120/208 VAC(commercial), 277/480 VAC (industrial) or other appropriate voltages forusage by customer appliances 18 in one example.

[0031] Power management devices 16 are configured to selectively applyelectrical energy from supply 12 to respective appliances 18 asdescribed below. In the exemplary depicted implementation, all of theillustrated appliances 18 have associated power management devices 16.In other configurations, only some of the appliances 18 may haveassociated power management devices 16. In other arrangements, a givendevice 16 may be configured to control power management operations of aplurality of appliances 18.

[0032] Power management operations may be implemented in variety ofconfigurations. For example, in the centralized arrangement, systemcontroller 11 comprises control circuitry configured to monitorelectrical energy of system 10 and issue control signals to devices 16and/or appliances 18 to control the application of electrical energy toappliances 18. In passive arrangements, system controller 11 may beomitted, and adjustment of the supply of electrical energy may beimplemented by individual devices 16 responsive to internal monitoringby devices 16 of electrical energy of system 10. Some embodiments ofsystem 11 may include centralized and passive power managementoperations. In the described exemplary embodiments, power managementoperations include monitoring of electrical energy from supply 12 andadjusting (e.g., reducing) an amount of electrical energy consumed byrespective appliances.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, system controller 11, powermanagement devices 16, and/or appliances 18 are configured to monitor atleast one characteristic of the electrical energy provided from supply12 and control a mode of operation of one or more associated applianceload coupled therewith. In one embodiment, system frequency of theelectrical energy is monitored and the amount of electrical energyconsumed by a respective appliance 18 may be adjusted responsive to themonitoring. For example, in one operational implementation, powermanagement devices 16 may reduce an amount of electrical energy suppliedto respective appliances 18 responsive to detection of a drop in systemfrequency of the electrical energy provided by supply 12. Monitoringoperations and control operations may be split between controller 11,respective device 16, and/or respective appliance 18. One or more ofcontroller 11, device 16, or control circuitry of appliance 18 may beomitted and the existing control circuitry provides monitoring andcontrol operations. In some arrangements, both the monitoring andcontrol operations may be provided by one of controller 11, respectivedevice 16, or respective appliance 18.

[0034] In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, system controller 11and/or power management devices 16 are depicted separate from appliances18. In other possible embodiments, system controller 11 and/or powermanagement devices 16 may be at least proximately located to therespective appliances 18, physically positioned adjacent to orphysically coupled with the respective appliances 18, and/or embeddedwithin the appliances 18 (e.g., providing the power management devices16 within housings of the appliances 18).

[0035] In one arrangement (e.g., passive arrangement), power managementdevices 16 are configured to monitor a condition of electrical energy ofthe system 10 to implement power management operations. In oneembodiment, device 16 monitors the electrical energy at a node used tosupply electrical energy from grid 14 to appliance 18. The node may beimplemented using a customer wall outlet or other suitable localconnection for coupling the appliance 18 to the grid 14. In onearrangement, system controller 11 may correspond to a physical customerlocation (e.g., residence, commercial location, industrial location,etc.) configured to interact with one or more appliance 18 of thecustomer location as mentioned previously. System controller 11 maymonitor electrical energy supplied by supply 12 and distributed bydistribution grid 14. System controller 11 may output control signals todevice(s) 16 and/or appliance(s) 18 to selectively control theoperations thereof in modes of reduced power consumption responsive tothe monitoring.

[0036] It is possible to implement power management operations (e.g.,monitor and/or control operations) described herein (or other operationsof control circuitry 24 of device 16 described below) using controlcircuitry of an electrical appliance 18 itself (e.g., control circuitry30 described below) and configured to control operations with respect tothe electrical appliance 18. These implementations are exemplary andother implementations or operations are possible.

[0037] Appliances 18 may have any configuration which consumes suppliedelectrical energy. Appliances 18 may also be referred to as motors orutilization equipment. A plurality of power management devices 16 arearranged to control respective appliances 18. In other embodiments, onedevice 16 may be implemented to control consumption of electrical energyof a plurality of appliances 18 as mentioned above.

[0038] Further exemplary details regarding electrical power distributionsystem 10, power management devices 16, and power management operationsincluding controlling operations of appliances 18 or other loadsaccording to some embodiments are described in a U.S. Patent Applicationentitled “Electrical Power Distribution Control Methods, ElectricalEnergy Demand Monitoring Methods, And Power Management Devices”, havingclient docket no. B1367, listing David P. Chassin, Matt Donnelly, andJeff Dagle as inventors, and the teachings of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, additional details regarding powermanagement device 16 and appliance 18 according to one possibleembodiment are presented. The power management device 16 and associatedappliance 18 may be referred to as an electrical energy consumptionsystem.

[0040] The depicted power management device 16 includes an interface 20and control circuitry 24. Interface 20 is arranged to receiveoperational electrical energy for consumption using the respectiveappliance 18. Interface 20 may be referred to as a power interface andcomprise the node described above. Interface 20 may be implemented usinga wall outlet adapter able to receive supplied residential, commercial,industrial, or other electrical energy in exemplary configurations.Control circuitry 24 may be embodied as a microprocessor or otherappropriate control architecture.

[0041] The depicted exemplary appliance 18 comprises control circuitry30, a plurality of associated loads 50, and a plurality of relays 52.Control circuitry 30 may be implemented as a microprocessor or otherappropriate control architecture and may also comprise an associatedload 50. Associated loads 50 consume electrical energy. Relays 52selectively supply electrical energy power from grid 14 to respectiveloads 50. In other configurations, a single relay 52 may supplyelectrical energy to a plurality of loads 50 of a given appliance 18.Other configurations for controlling the application of electricalenergy from interface 20 to load(s) 50 are possible.

[0042] Power management device 16 may be configured according to theexemplary device arrangements described in the incorporated patentapplication. Power management device 16 is arranged in one embodiment asa discrete device separate from the appliance 18 as mentioned above.Alternately, power management device 16 may be implemented entirely orpartially using existing components of the appliance 18. For example,functionality of control circuitry 24 may be implemented using controlcircuitry 30 to monitor electrical energy of power distribution system10 and to control consumption of electrical energy by one or more ofloads 50 responsive to the monitoring. As described in the incorporatedpatent application, a relay (or other switching device not shown in FIG.2) internal of device 16 may be used to adjust the amount of electricalenergy consumed by appliance 18. Control circuitry 24 and/or controlcircuitry 30 may be arranged to control the operations of the associatedrelay (not shown) of device 16. As shown, appliance 18 may compriseassociated relays 52 which may be controlled by control circuitry 24and/or control circuitry 30. Switching device configurations other thanthe described relays may be used.

[0043] In other arrangements, control circuitry 24 may provide controlsignals to control circuitry 30 or directly to loads 50 to control therate of consumption of electrical energy by loads 50 without the use ofrelays 52 (accordingly relays 52 may be omitted). Responsive to thereceived control signals, control circuitry 30 may operate to controlrespective loads 50, or loads 50 may internally adjust rates ofconsumption of the electrical energy responsive to directly receivingthe control signals from circuitry 24 or 30.

[0044] According to the specific arrangement of the appliance 18 beingcontrolled, aspects described herein, including monitoring of electricalenergy of system 10 and/or controlling the consumption of power withinappliance 18, may be implemented using circuitry internal and/orexternal of the appliance 18. The discussion herein proceeds withrespect to exemplary configurations wherein monitoring and controloperations are implemented by control circuitry 30. Any alternateconfigurations may be used to implement functions and operationsdescribed herein.

[0045] Appliances 18 comprise devices configured to consume electricalenergy. Exemplary appliances 18 described below include temperaturemaintenance systems, HVAC systems, clothes dryers, clothes washers,water management systems (e.g., spa and/or pool), dish washers, personalcomputer systems, water heaters, and refrigerators. The describedappliances 18 are exemplary for discussion purposes and otherarrangements are possible.

[0046] As shown in the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 2, appliances 18may individually comprise a plurality of different associated loads 50individually configured to consume electrical energy. For example, for agiven appliance 18, one of loads 50 may be a control load whereinprocessing is implemented (e.g., 3-5 Volt circuitry of control circuitry30) and another of the loads 50 may be a higher voltage load includingexemplary motors, heating coils, etc.

[0047] Consumption of electrical energy by such appliances 18 may beadjusted by turning off (or otherwise adjusting the operation of oneassociated load 50 while leaving another associated load 50 powered (orotherwise unaffected). During exemplary power management operations, itmay be desired adjust an amount of electrical energy applied to one ofthe associated loads 50 of a given appliance 18 (e.g., a high powerassociated load) while continuing to provide full (or otherwiseunadjusted) amount of electrical energy to another of the associatedloads 50 of the given appliance 18 (e.g., a low power associated load).Alternately, power may be adjusted, reduced or ceased for all associatedloads all together.

[0048] Adjustment of the consumption of electrical energy by anappliance 18 may be implemented responsive to monitoring by appropriatecontrol circuitry of electrical energy of power distribution system 10.In one embodiment, a characteristic (e.g., system frequency) of theelectrical energy is monitored. The incorporated patent applicationprovides exemplary monitoring operations of system frequency (e.g.,voltage) of electrical energy supplied by power distribution system 10.Other characteristics of electrical energy of system 10 may be monitoredin other constructions.

[0049] Responsive to the monitoring, appropriate control circuitry isconfigured to adjust an amount of consumption of electrical energywithin at least one of the loads 50 from an initial level of consumptionto an other different level of consumption. For example, as described inthe incorporated application, if the system frequency of the electricalenergy deviates a sufficient degree from a nominal frequency, athreshold is triggered. As described in the incorporated application,the threshold may be varied at different moments in time (e.g.,responsive to power-up operations of appliance 18 at different momentsin time). In one embodiment, the varying of the threshold is random.

[0050] Appropriate control circuitry may adjust an amount of consumptionof electrical energy (e.g., via one of loads 50) from an initial levelto an other different level (e.g., reduced consumption mode) responsiveto the threshold being triggered. Thereafter, the control circuitrycontinues to monitor the electrical energy. If the frequency returns toa desired range, the control circuitry may return the operation of theappliance 18 and load(s) 50 to a normal mode of operation (e.g., a modewherein an increased amount of electrical energy is consumed). Asdescribed in the incorporated patent application, a variable length oftime may be used to return the consumption to the initial level and thevariable length of time may be randomly generated in at least oneembodiment.

[0051] Accordingly, the appropriate control circuitry may controloperation of the adjusted load 50 for a period of time at the adjustedlevel of electrical energy consumption. During the adjustment, thecontrol circuitry may maintain the level of consumption of another load50 of the appliance 18 at a normal level of consumption.

[0052] Some arrangements of power management device 16 permit overridefunctionality. For example, the appropriate control circuitry may haveassociated user interface circuitry (not shown) usable by a user todisable power management operations via an override indication (e.g.,hit a key of the user interface circuitry). Responsive to the receptionof the override indication, the control circuitry may return the mode ofoperation of the affected load 50 to a normal consumption mode (e.g.,wherein an increased amount of electrical energy is consumed comparedwith the level of consumption initiated during the power managementoperations).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3-11, exemplary configurations of appliances18 a-18 i are shown. The figures depict exemplary appliances configuredto implement power management operations. The illustrated appliances 18a-18 i include respective control circuits 30 a-30 i. The controlcircuits 30 a-30 i may interface with system controller 11 and/orcontrol circuitry 24 of power management device 16 (not shown in FIGS.3-11) to implement power management operations in one embodiment. Inother embodiments, power management operations may be implemented solelyinternally of the appliances 18 a-18 i using the respective controlcircuits 30 a-30 i. The described appliances 18 a-18 i are forillustration and other arrangements of the appliances are possible.

[0054] Referring specifically to FIG. 3, appliance 18 a arranged as acompressor system is depicted. The depicted compressor system isarranged as a temperature management system 60 although otherconfigurations which use a compressor are possible. An exemplarytemperature management system 60 may include an air conditioner, heatpump, or other arrangement implementing load control strategies usingelectrically driven vapor compression cycles for heating, venting,air-conditioning, refrigeration or other applications. The exemplarysystem 60 includes a compressor 62, condenser and receiver 64,evaporator 66, short circuit path 67, expansion valves 68 and solenoidvalve 69. Control circuitry 30 a and compressor 62 comprise associatedloads 50 a of the depicted system 60. Compressor 62 is arranged tocompress a fluid within the system, condenser 64 is configured tocondense the fluid, and evaporator 66 is configured to evaporate thefluid in one embodiment.

[0055] In one embodiment, power management operations of system 60 usehot-gas bypass techniques to temporarily unload compressor 62. Controlcircuitry 30 a may selectively control solenoid valve 69 to open shortcircuit path 69 and couple the suction line with the hot-gas line andbypass compressor 62 and evaporator 66 in a vapor compression cycle.This technique provides capacity control and reduces a starting andstopping duty cycle of compressor 62. The operations may be implementedwithout unduly burdening an electric motor (not shown) of compressor 62with potentially damaging transients. In some embodiments, the shortcircuiting may be implemented for a few seconds and would most likelynot be noticed by a consumer.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, appliance 18 b arranged as an HVAC system 70is shown. HVAC system 70 is configured in one embodiment to adjust atemperature of an associated area, such as an enclosed, controlled area(e.g., building, house, etc.). An exemplary HVAC system 70 may includecontrol circuitry 30 b, a thermostat 71 (e.g., embodied within controlcircuitry 30 b), cooling equipment 72 (e.g., air conditioning assembly,heat pump, etc.), heating equipment 74 (e.g., forced air, oil, steam,heat pump, etc.), outdoor supply 76 (e.g., fan, dampers), and exhaust 78(e.g., fan, dampers). Control circuitry 30 b, cooling equipment 72,heating equipment 74, outdoor supply 76 and exhaust 78 may compriseassociated loads 50 b of system 80.

[0057] In one embodiment, power management operations of system 70 andimplemented by control circuitry 30 b include adjusting a set point ofthermostat 71. For example, during cooling operations, the thermostatset point may be temporarily raised, and for heating operations, thethermostat set point may be temporarily lowered. In other exemplarypower management operations, control circuitry 30 b may directly disableor provide other control of cooling and/or heating equipment 72, 74.

[0058] Additional power management operations include controlling fansor dampers of outdoor supply 76 or exhaust 78 using control circuitry 30b to provide desired configurations during operation in modes of reducedpower consumption. The fans and dampers can be provided by circuitry 30b into desired configurations (fans on or off and/or dampers open orclosed) with respect to building supply and exhaust operations. Forconfigurations wherein a heat pump (not shown) is implemented withincooling and/or heating equipment 72, 74, control circuitry 30 b maytemporarily disable or cancel a defrost operation of the heat pumpduring power management operations. If disabled or canceled, controlcircuitry 30 b may reschedule the defrost operation to another moment intime (e.g., in configurations wherein defrost operations are timercontrolled).

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, appliance 18 c arranged as a clothes dryer80 is shown. An exemplary clothes dryer 80 may include control circuitry30 c, a heating element 82, and a tumbler motor 84. Heating element 82is configured in one embodiment to heat an associated compartment (notshown) of clothes dryer 80 configured to receive and dry clothes.Tumbler motor 84 is configured to spin clothes within the associatedcompartment during drying operations. Control circuitry 30 c, heatingelement 82 and tumbler motor 84 comprise exemplary associated loads 50 cof clothes dryer 80 in the depicted embodiment.

[0060] In one configuration, power management operations of clothesdryer 80 include reducing or ceasing the supply of electrical energy toheating element 82 (e.g., reducing an amount of current supplied toheating element 82) and/or tumbler motor 84. It may be desired tomaintain tumbler motor 84 in an operative mode during an implementationof power management operations with respect to heating element 82.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, appliance 18 d arranged as a clothes washer90 is shown. An exemplary clothes washer 90 may include controlcircuitry 30 d, a heating element 92, and an agitator motor 94. Heatingelement 92 is configured to heat water used in an associated compartment(not shown) of clothes washer 90 configured to receive and wash clothes.Agitator motor 94 is configured to oscillate between differentrotational directions or otherwise agitate clothes within the associatedcompartment during wash and/or rinse operations. Control circuitry 30 d,heating element 92 and agitator motor 94 comprise associated loads 50 dof clothes washer 90 in the depicted embodiment.

[0062] In one configuration, power management operations of clotheswasher 90 include reducing or ceasing the supply of electrical energy toheating element 92 to reduce internal temperatures of water in theassociated compartment and/or agitator motor 94 to reduce motion of themotor 94. The reduction in power by controlling heating element 92 maybe linear and accordingly the benefits may be directly proportional tothe reduction in the water temperature. The reduction in power toagitator motor 94 may be proportional to a product of angularacceleration, mass and angular velocity. A slowing down of agitatormotion of motor 94 could affect both a reduction in acceleration as themotor reverses its motion as well as angular velocity. In otherembodiments, it may be desired to maintain agitator motor 94 in anoperative mode during an implementation of power management operationswith respect to heating element 92.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7, appliance 18 e arranged as a watermanagement system 100 is shown. Water management system 100 isconfigured to provide heating, circulation and/or filtering of waterwithin a water reservoir (not shown in FIG. 7) of a spa (hot tub),swimming pool, or other configuration in exemplary implementations. Theillustrated configuration of water management system 100 includescontrol circuitry 30 e (embodying a thermostat 101 in the depictedexemplary configuration), a heating element 102, and a circulation motor104 (e.g., circulation and/or filter pump). Control circuitry 30 e,heating element 102 and circulation motor 104 comprise associated loads50 e of system 100 in an exemplary configuration.

[0064] According to an illustrative embodiment, power managementoperations of system 100 implemented by control circuitry 30 e includeadjusting a set point of thermostat 101. For example, the thermostat setpoint may be temporarily lowered. In other exemplary power managementoperations, control circuitry 30 e may directly disable or provide othercontrol of heating element 102 and/or circulation motor 104. In specificexemplary arrangements, control circuitry 30 e may adjust an amount ofcurrent provided to heating element 102, or control the angular velocityof motor 104 to adjust (e.g., reduce) water circulation operations ofthe spa, pool or other water reservoir during operation in modes ofreduced power consumption. The power management operations are temporaryin the described example, and accordingly, the operations are typicallytransparent to a user.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, appliance 18 f arranged as an exemplary dishwasher 110 is illustrated. Dish washer 110 includes control circuitry 30f, a water heating element 112, a forced air heating element 114, and awater pump 116 in but one embodiment. Dish washer 110 may additionallyinclude a compartment (not shown) configured to receive to dishes. Waterheating element 112 may adjust a temperature of water used to washdishes using dish washer 110 in one embodiment. Forced air heatingelement 114 adjusts a temperature of air used to dry the dishes in oneimplementation. Water pump 116 may spray water on the dishes during acleaning and/or rinsing cycle to provide a dish cleaning action and/orrinsing action. Control circuitry 30 f, heating elements 112, 114, andwater pump 116 may comprise associated loads 50 f of dish washer 110.

[0066] Exemplary power management operations of dish washer 110implemented by control circuitry 30 f in one embodiment includecontrolling the water heater 112 to reduce a water temperature boostcycle during wash operations and/or reduce air temperature by forced airheater 114 during rinsing/drying operations. Reduction of watertemperature provides corresponding linear reductions in electrical powerconsumption. Control circuitry 30 f may also control operations of waterpump 116 (e.g., reduce the operational speed of pump 116) during modesof reduced power consumption.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 9, appliance 18 g arranged as an exemplary homeand office system 120 is illustrated. System 120 includes at least onecomponent or device configured to selectively operate in an energysaving mode (e.g., in accordance with Energy Star™) wherein a reducedamount of electrical energy is consumed by the device or component.Exemplary devices or components may enter such an energy saving modewithout power management operations discussed herein in one embodiment.Other arrangements of system 120 apart from the exemplary depicted homeand office system and which include at least one device or componentconfigured to operate in an energy saving mode are possible.

[0068] As shown, system 120 comprises a personal computer system in thedepicted example and includes a plurality of components includingcontrol circuitry 30 g (e.g., personal computer microprocessor),peripherals 122 (e.g., laser printer), a display 124 (e.g., CRT), andother associated components 126 (e.g., fans, disk drives, etc.) whichcomprise associated loads 50 g of appliance 18 g in the depictedexample.

[0069] At least some of loads 50 g are configured to independently ordependently operate in a plurality of respective operational modes,including an energy saving mode wherein a reduced amount of electricalenergy is consumed, in the described example. Control circuitry 30 g isconfigured to implement exemplary power management operations includingselectively providing individual ones or all loads 50 g into therespective energy saving modes of operation (e.g., in addition to anyother programming or criteria configured to provide such devices orcomponents into the respective energy saving modes). For example,control circuitry 30 g may enter an energy saving mode of operationhaving reduced clock speed. A peripheral 122 embodied as a laser printermay enter an energy saving mode wherein a laser printer heating element(e.g., toner fusing assembly) is configured to consume a reduced amountof electrical energy. Display 124 may enter an energy saving modewherein a cathode ray tube is configured to consume a reduced amount ofelectrical energy. Control circuitry 30 g may control any associateddevice or component of system 120 to enter an energy saving mode (ifprovided for the device or component) according to exemplary describedaspects.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 10, appliance 18 h configured as an exemplarywater heater 130 is shown. Water heater 130 includes control circuitry30 h (embodying a thermostat 132 in the illustrated configuration) and aheating element 134. Heating element 134 is configured to heat water inan associated reservoir (not shown) to a desired temperature in thedepicted configuration. Control circuitry 30 h and heating element 134comprise loads 50 h of water heater 130 in one embodiment.

[0071] According to an illustrative embodiment, power managementoperations of system 130 and implemented by control circuitry 30 hinclude adjusting a set point of thermostat 132. For example, thethermostat set point may be temporarily lowered (e.g., for a period oftens of seconds, or a few minutes in some examples). In other exemplarypower management operations, control circuitry 30 h may directly disableor provide other control of heating element 134.

[0072] According to additional exemplary aspects, a set point of any ofthe thermostats disclosed herein of the various appliances 18 a-18 g maybe assigned to one of a plurality of possible power management setpoints according to a monitored condition of electrical energy of system10. For example, a scale of set points may be used according to thecondition of the electrical energy (e.g., the temperature set point maybe decreased at predefined decrements (1-10 degrees for example)corresponding to the system frequency of the electrical energy deviatingrespective predetermined amounts (e.g., 10 mHz) from the nominalfrequency. In accordance with the described example, the magnitude ofadjustment of the thermostat set point increases as the deviation of thesystem frequency from the nominal frequency increases.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 11, appliance 18 i configured as an exemplaryrefrigerator 140 is shown. The illustrated refrigerator 140 includescontrol circuitry 30 i (embodying a thermostat 142), a heating element144, a fan 146, a compressor 148, and a solenoid valve 150 in thedepicted embodiment. Control circuitry 30 i, heater 144, fan 146, andcompressor 148 comprise exemplary loads 50 i in the depicted example.

[0074] First exemplary power management operations of control circuitry30 i include adjustment of a temperature set point of thermostat 142. Itmay be desired in at least one embodiment to set a relatively shortduration of any temperature adjustment during power arrangementoperations. Another possible power management operation providestemporary disablement of defrost operations of heating element 144(e.g., coupled with unillustrated coils of refrigerator 140), oradjusting a time of the defrost operations controlled by controlcircuitry 30 i. In another arrangement, heating element 144 may be usedto provide anti-sweat operations (e.g., appropriately positionedadjacent an exterior portion of an unillustrated cabinet of refrigerator140—for example adjacent to a door) and power management operations mayinclude temporary disablement of the anti-sweat operations or otherwiseadjusting such operations to occur at another moment in time whereinpower management operations are not being implemented. Additionalexemplary power management operations include disablement of interiorair circulation operations implemented by fan 146 and/or controllingoperations of compressor 148 (e.g., including temporarily disabling orreducing the speed of compressor 148). Additional aspects includeimplementing a hot gas bypass operation of compressor 148 using solenoidvalve 150 and as described in further detail above in one example. Oneother embodiment provides a multi-stage refrigerator 140 having aplurality of cooling stages and a power management operation includescontrolling the refrigerator 140 to operate at less than the availablenumber of cooling stages thereby reducing the amount of energy consumedby the appliance.

[0075] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been describedin language more or less specific as to structural and methodicalfeatures. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the specific features shown and described, since the meansherein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention intoeffect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms, ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical appliance energy consumptioncontrol method comprising: providing an electrical appliance coupledwith a power distribution system; receiving electrical energy within theappliance from the power distribution system; consuming the receivedelectrical energy using a plurality of loads of the appliance;monitoring electrical energy of the power distribution system; andadjusting an amount of consumption of the received electrical energy viaone of the loads of the appliance from an initial level of consumptionto an other level of consumption different than the initial level ofconsumption responsive to the monitoring.
 2. The method of claim 1further comprising: operating the one of the loads at the other level ofconsumption for a period of time; and maintaining an amount ofconsumption of the received electrical energy via an other of the loadsof the appliance during at least a portion of the period of time.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring anelectrical characteristic of the electrical energy of the powerdistribution system.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the adjustingcomprises adjusting responsive to the electrical characteristictriggering a threshold.
 5. The method of claim 4 further comprisingvarying the threshold at a plurality of different moments in time. 6.The method of claim 4 further comprising varying the threshold at aplurality of different moments in time corresponding to respectivepower-up operations of the appliance at different moments in time. 7.The method of claim 3 wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring thefrequency of the electrical energy.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein themonitoring comprises monitoring using control circuitry proximatelylocated with respect to the appliance.
 9. The method of claim 8 whereinthe control circuitry resides within the appliance.
 10. The method ofclaim 8 wherein the receiving comprises receiving the electrical energyvia a node of the power distribution system, and the controller monitorsthe electrical energy at the node.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein theadjusting comprises initial adjusting, and further comprising otheradjusting the amount of consumption of the received electrical energyvia the one of the loads to the initial level of consumption after theinitial adjusting.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprisingdetermining a variable length of time after the adjusting, and the otheradjusting is responsive to the determining.
 13. The method of claim 12wherein the determining comprises determining a random length of time.14. The method of claim 12 wherein the determining comprises determiningthe variable length of time according to a statistical distribution. 15.The method of claim 1 wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting theamount of the consumption to the other level of the consumption at aplurality of different moments in time, and further comprising operatingthe one of the loads at the other level of consumption for a pluralityof different lengths of time at the respective different moments intime.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein the amount of the consumptionduring the other level of consumption is less than the amount of theconsumption during the initial level of consumption.
 17. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the one of the loads consumes substantially none of thereceived electrical energy during the other level of consumption. 18.The method of claim 1 wherein the adjusting comprises sending a controlsignal from a controller to the one of the loads.
 19. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising: providing an override indication after theadjusting; and further adjusting the amount of consumption of thereceived electrical energy via the one of the loads to the initial levelof consumption responsive to the override indication.
 20. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting the amount ofconsumption of the received electrical energy via a compressor of acompressor system in a hot gas bypass operation.
 21. The method of claim1 wherein the receiving comprises receiving within the appliance locatedat a customer location, and at least one of the monitoring andcontrolling comprises using control circuitry located at the customerlocation.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the control circuitrycomprises a system controller.
 23. The method of claim 21 wherein thecontrol circuitry comprises control circuitry of a power managementdevice coupled with the appliance.
 24. The method of claim 21 whereinthe control circuitry comprises control circuitry of the appliance. 25.The method of claim 1 wherein the providing the appliance comprisesproviding an HVAC system.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein theadjusting comprises adjusting a temperature set point of a thermostat ofthe HVAC system.
 27. The method of claim 25 wherein the adjustingcomprises controlling cooling equipment of the HVAC system.
 28. Themethod of claim 25 wherein the adjusting comprises controlling heatingequipment of the HVAC system.
 29. The method of claim 25 wherein theadjusting comprises controlling a damper of the HVAC system.
 30. Themethod of claim 25 wherein the adjusting comprises controlling a fan ofthe HVAC system.
 31. The method of claim 25 wherein the adjustingcomprises canceling a defrost operation of a heat pump of the HVACsystem.
 32. The method of claim 1 wherein the providing the electricalappliance comprises providing a clothes dryer.
 33. The method of claim32 wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting the amount of consumptionof the received electrical energy via one of the loads of the clothesdryer comprising a heating element.
 34. The method of claim 33 whereinthe adjusting comprises reducing an amount of current of the electricalenergy applied to the heating element
 35. The method of claim 1 whereinthe providing the electrical appliance comprises providing a clotheswasher.
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the adjusting comprisesadjusting the amount of consumption of the received electrical energyvia the one of the loads of the clothes washer comprising a heatingelement.
 37. The method of claim 35 wherein the adjusting comprisesadjusting the amount of consumption of the received electrical energyvia the one of the loads of the clothes washer comprising an agitatormotor.
 38. The method of claim 1 wherein the providing the electricalappliance comprises providing a water management system of one of a spaand a pool.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein the adjusting comprisesadjusting a temperature set point of the water management system. 40.The method of claim 38 wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting watercirculation operations of the water management system using the one ofthe loads comprising a water circulation motor.
 41. The method of claim38 wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting water heating operations ofthe water management system using the one of the loads comprising awater heating element.
 42. The method of claim 1 wherein the providingthe electrical appliance comprises providing a dish washer.
 43. Themethod of claim 42 wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting waterheating operations of the dishwasher using the one of the loadscomprising a water heating element.
 44. The method of claim 42 whereinthe adjusting comprises adjusting drying operations of the dishwasherusing the one of the loads comprising a forced air heating element. 45.The method of claim 42 wherein the adjusting comprises adjustingoperations of one of the loads comprising a water pump.
 46. The methodof claim 1 wherein the providing the electrical appliance comprisesproviding the electrical appliance having a plurality of modes ofoperation including an energy saving mode of operation, and theadjusting comprises adjusting the appliance to operate in the energysaving mode.
 47. The method of claim 46 wherein the electrical appliancecomprises a personal computer system.
 48. The method of claim 47 whereinthe adjusting comprises adjusting a clock speed of control circuitry ofthe personal computer system.
 49. The method of claim 1 wherein theproviding the electrical appliance comprises providing a hot waterheater.
 50. The method of claim 49 wherein the adjusting comprisesadjusting a temperature set point of a thermostat of the hot waterheater.
 51. The method of claim 49 wherein the adjusting comprisesadjusting the temperature set point to one of a plurality of set pointscorresponding to a plurality of respective values of the electricalcharacteristic.
 52. The method of claim 49 wherein the adjustingcomprises adjusting water heating operations using the one of the loadscomprising a water heating element.
 53. The method of claim 1 whereinthe providing the electrical appliance comprises providing arefrigerator.
 54. The method of claim 53 wherein the adjusting comprisesadjusting a temperature set point of a thermostat of the refrigerator.55. The method of claim 53 wherein the adjusting comprises adjustingdefrost operations of the refrigerator using the one of the loadscomprising a heater configured to heat coils of the refrigerator. 56.The method of claim 55 wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting a timeof the defrost operations.
 57. The method of claim 53 wherein theadjusting comprises adjusting anti-sweat operations of the refrigeratorusing the one of the loads comprising a heater configured to heat anexterior portion of a cabinet of the refrigerator.
 58. The method ofclaim 53 wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting interior aircirculation operations of the refrigerator using the one of the loadscomprising a fan.
 59. The method of claim 53 wherein the adjustingcomprises adjusting cooling operations of the refrigerator using the oneof the loads comprising a compressor.
 60. The method of claim 59 whereinthe adjusting comprises varying a speed of the compressor.
 61. Themethod of claim 59 wherein the adjusting comprises performing a hot gasbypass operation.
 62. The method of claim 53 wherein the providingcomprises providing the refrigerator comprising a multi-stagerefrigerator having a plurality of cooling stages, and the adjustingcomprises adjusting to operate at less than the available number ofcooling stages.
 63. An electrical appliance energy consumption controlmethod comprising: providing an electrical appliance coupled with apower distribution system, the appliance comprising a plurality ofloads; receiving electrical energy within the appliance from the powerdistribution system; operating the appliance at a normal mode ofoperation wherein one of the loads consumes a first amount of electricalenergy; monitoring an electrical characteristic of electrical energy ofthe power distribution system; and responsive to the monitoring,operating the appliance at an other mode of operation wherein the one ofthe loads consumes a second amount of electrical energy different thanthe first amount of electrical energy.
 64. An electrical energyconsumption system comprising: a power interface configured to receiveelectrical energy of the power distribution system; a plurality of loadscoupled with the power interface and configured to consume the receivedelectrical energy; and control circuitry configured to monitor anelectrical characteristic of the electrical energy of the powerdistribution system and to vary an amount of consumption of the receivedelectrical energy via one of the loads responsive to the monitoring. 65.The system of claim 64 wherein the control circuitry is locatedproximate to the loads.
 66. The system of claim 64 wherein the powerinterface is configured to receive the electrical energy from a node ofthe power distribution system and the control circuitry is coupled withthe node.
 67. The system of claim 66 wherein the control circuitry isconfigured to monitor the electrical characteristic of the electricalenergy received via the node.
 68. A compressor system comprising: acompressor configured to compress a fluid; a condenser configured tocondense the fluid; an evaporator configured to evaporate the fluid; andcontrol circuitry configured to monitor electrical energy supplied tothe compressor and to control short circuiting of the condenser and theevaporator responsive to the monitoring to reduce an amount ofelectrical energy consumed by the compressor compared with an otheroperational mode.
 69. The system of claim 68 wherein the controlcircuitry is configured to monitor the electrical energy received at aphysical location of the compressor.
 70. An HVAC system comprising:equipment configured to consume a first amount of electrical energyduring operations to adjust a temperature of an area associated with theHVAC system; and control circuitry configured to monitor the electricalenergy supplied to the HVAC system at a physical location of the HVACsystem, and to control the equipment to operate in a mode wherein asecond amount of electrical energy is consumed by the HVAC system lessthan the first amount.
 71. A clothes dryer comprising: a heating elementconfigured to control a temperature of a compartment of the clothesdryer configured to dry clothes; a tumbler motor configured to rotatethe clothes in the compartment; and control circuitry configured tomonitor electrical energy provided to at least one of the heatingelement and the tumbler motor and to control at least one of the heatingelement and the tumbler motor to operate in a mode of operation whereina reduced amount of electrical energy is consumed by the clothes dryercompared with an other operational mode and responsive to the monitoringof the electrical energy.
 72. The dryer of claim 71 wherein the controlcircuitry is configured to monitor the electrical energy provided at aphysical location of the clothes dryer.
 73. A clothes washer comprising:a heating element configured to control a temperature of water used towash clothes using the clothes washer; an agitator motor configured toagitate the clothes being washed; and control circuitry configured tomonitor electrical energy provided to at least one of the heatingelement and the agitator motor and to control at least one of theheating element and the agitator motor to operate in a mode of operationwherein a reduced amount of electrical energy is consumed by the clotheswasher compared with an other operational mode and responsive to themonitoring of the electrical energy.
 74. The washer of claim 73 whereinthe control circuitry is configured to monitor the electrical energyprovided at a physical location of the clothes washer.
 75. A watermanagement system comprising: a heating element configured to control atemperature of water within an associated reservoir; a circulation motorconfigured to circulate water within the reservoir; and controlcircuitry configured to monitor electrical energy provided to at leastone of the heating element and the circulator motor and to control atleast one of the heating element and the circulator motor to operate ina mode of operation wherein a reduced amount of electrical energy isconsumed by the water management system compared with an otheroperational mode and responsive to the monitoring of the electricalenergy.
 76. The system of claim 75 wherein the control circuitry isconfigured to monitor the electrical energy provided at a physicallocation of the water management system.
 77. A dish washer comprising: awater heating element configured to adjust a temperature of water usedto wash dishes using the dish washer; a forced air heating elementconfigured to adjust a temperature of air used to dry the dishes usingthe dish washer; and control circuitry configured to monitor electricalenergy provided to at least one of the water heating element and theforced air heating element and to control at least one of the waterheating element and the forced air heating element to operate in a modeof operation wherein a reduced amount of electrical energy is consumedby the dish washer compared with an other operational mode andresponsive to the monitoring of the electrical energy.
 78. The dishwasher of claim 77 further comprising a water pump, and wherein thecontrol circuitry is configured to control the water pump to operate ina mode of operation wherein a reduced amount of electrical energy isconsumed by the water pump compared with an other operational mode ofthe water pump.
 79. The dish washer of claim 77 wherein the controlcircuitry is configured to monitor the electrical energy provided at aphysical location of the dish washer.
 80. A personal computer systemcomprising: a component of the personal computer system configured tooperate in an energy saving mode; and control circuitry configured tomonitor electrical energy provided to the component of the personalcomputer system and to control the component to operate in the energysaving mode wherein a reduced amount of electrical energy is consumed bythe personal computer system compared with an other operational mode,and wherein the controlling is responsive to the monitoring of theelectrical energy.
 81. The system of claim 80 wherein the controlcircuitry is configured to monitor the electrical energy provided at aphysical location of the personal computer system.
 82. The system ofclaim 80 wherein the component comprises a peripheral component.
 83. Thesystem of claim 80 wherein the component comprises a display.
 84. Thesystem of claim 80 wherein the component comprises a microprocessor ofthe control circuitry.
 85. A water heater comprising: a water heatingelement configured to control a temperature of water within a reservoirof the water heater; and control circuitry configured to monitorelectrical energy provided to the water heating element at a physicallocation of the water heater, and wherein the control circuitry isconfigured to control the water heating element to operate in a mode ofoperation wherein a reduced amount of electrical energy is consumed bythe water heater compared with an other operational mode and responsiveto the monitoring of the electrical energy.
 86. A refrigeratorcomprising: a plurality of components configured to perform operationswith respect to refrigeration of goods within the refrigerator; andcontrol circuitry configured to monitor electrical energy provided to atleast one of the components and to control at least one of thecomponents to operate in a mode of operation wherein a reduced amount ofelectrical energy is consumed by the refrigerator compared with an otheroperational mode and responsive to the monitoring of the electricalenergy.
 87. The refrigerator of claim 86 wherein the control circuitryis configured to monitor the electrical energy provided at a physicallocation of the refrigerator.
 88. The refrigerator of claim 86 whereinthe at least one component comprises a thermostat.
 89. The refrigeratorof claim 86 wherein the at least one component comprises a heatingelement.
 90. The refrigerator of claim 86 wherein the at least onecomponent comprises a circulation fan.
 91. The refrigerator of claim 86wherein the at least one component comprises a compressor.